Investigation of the associations between dance, executive functions and educational outcomes in primary school

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The core components of executive functioning (EF) - inhibitory control, working memory and switching -are the basis for planning, reasoning and problem-solving. EF associates cross-sectionally and longitudinally with academic achievement. Weaker EF is common in developmental disorders, as well as in low SES children. Several EF training interventions have therefore been developed, with a view to improve academic outcome, with varied success. This PhD involves two main elements. First, a systematic literature review or meta-analysis of prior work investigating the impact of different types of physical exercise on EF in childhood will be carried out to identify key ingredients of successful interventions. Second, a novel school-based dance initiative combining physical exercise (dancing) with cognitive training (creativity) will be evaluated. The organisation Creativity, Culture and Education will run a randomised control trial (RCT) with Year 5 children (9-10-year-olds) in 40 primary England schools. I will work with my academic supervisor to (1) advise on the design of the RCT, in particular the identification of a suitable active control intervention, and (2) select and carry out pre-, post- and long-term follow up assessments to allow new specific questions to be answered on the causal pathways between physical activity, creativity and EF, and more distal school attendance, engagement and attainment outcomes. This project is pertinent to the ESRC sustainability, prosperity and well-being research theme. The UN has projected a significant increase in the world's population (2018: 55%, 2050: 68%) living in urban areas by2050; in parallel, child poverty in the UK increasing (2018: 30%, 2019: 37%). An activity which can be carried out in urban settings, involves physical exercise and leads to improvements in EFs and broader outcomes has the potential to be adopted by education policy makers and improve well-being and labour market success for children, particularly low SES children.